Unlicensed private hire driver fined after ‘Taxi Cop’ finds vehicle with two illegal tyres
A private hire vehicle (PHV) driver has been fined after being caught operating an unlicensed vehicle with illegal tyres. The case, which was heard at Bath Magistrates’ Court, resulted in the driver receiving three DVLA penalty points and fines totalling £867.
PC Patrick Quinton, known as ‘Taxi Cop’ for Avon and Somerset Police, revealed that during a joint operation with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and licensing officers in July, the PHV was stopped and checked. Officers found two tyres below the legal tread depth of 1.6mm, and the driver was not properly licensed due to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) issue.
Following a guilty plea, the court issued a fine, including £185 for driving a PHV without a valid badge.
All vehicles on UK roads must comply with strict tyre regulations to ensure safety. The minimum legal tread depth for car tyres is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre’s width and around its entire circumference. Drivers caught with tyres below this limit risk fines of up to £2,500 per tyre and three penalty points per defective tyre.
Beyond tread depth, tyres must be in a roadworthy condition. Damage such as cuts, bulges, or significant wear can lead to enforcement action.
PC Quinton said on Tuesday: “In July, I was working with the DVSA and Licensing Officers when we stopped and checked a PHV. It had two tyres under 1.6mm and the driver wasn't currently licensed due to a DBS issue.
“Bath Magistrates heard the matter yesterday and followng a guilty plea sentenced the driver to 3 DVLA points, and £867 of fines and costs.
“£185 of that was for driving a PHV without a badge. No badge = No drive!“
